UFC cancels regular doping tests because of Conor McGregor

Last Wednesday, USADA CEO, Travis Tygart, announced that the partnership between the American Anti-Doping Agency and the world’s strongest league will end on January first, 2024.

“We have clearly and firmly told the UFC that there should be no exceptions on their part for Conor McGregor until he has passed two clean doping tests and has been in the USADA testing pool for at least six months,” reads a statement from the USADA executive. “The rules also allow USADA to keep an athlete out of competition for a longer period of time, depending on circumstances and test results.”

“Unfortunately, at this time we do not know if the UFC will comply with this requirement, as USADA will cease participation in the UFC’s anti-doping program as of the first of January 2024. Despite a positive and productive meeting regarding a contract extension in May 2023, the UFC abruptly changed its stance and informed USADA on Monday, October 9 that it was moving in a different direction. We feel sorry for the UFC athletes who relied on our independent, gold standard program to protect their rights to a clean, safe and fair octagon. The UFC’s decision jeopardizes the tremendous progress made in the sport with the assistance of USADA”

“The relationship between the UFC and USADA has become untenable in light of statements by UFC executives and others within the organization questioning the agency’s principled position that McGregor should not fight for at least six months after returning to the testing pool. USADA is proud of the work we have done over the past eight years to clean up the UFC, and we will continue to provide unparalleled service to UFC athletes for the remainder of our current contract, which ends Dec. 31, 2023. We will always continue to protect the rights and voices of clean athletes in all sports”

UFC officials have yet to make any announcements about ending their partnership with USADA, which has lasted since 2015, but now there can be little doubt that Conor McGregor will return to the octagon in top form. According to the UFC’s plan, the Irishman is scheduled to fight American Michael Chandler next year.

With the departure of USADA, fighters will be tested for doping only by state athletic commissions, testing athletes with less scrutiny and more frequency.